BENJAMIN RODGERS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL PREDATION IN GWENT

A man named Benjamin Rodgers has been convicted of grooming and sexually abusing vulnerable young girls in the Gwent area. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior, where Rodgers exploited the trust of minors by offering gifts such as money and vapes in exchange for sexual acts. Despite being arrested and released on bail, Rodgers continued his illicit activities, persuading a third victim to sneak out of her home during the night and meet him at a beach for sexual encounters.

The court heard that Rodgers, a father of two and an active member of his church, had even traveled abroad to Cape Verde for missionary work, which was described by his barrister as part of his religious commitments. His defense team portrayed him as an intelligent, articulate, and hardworking individual, emphasizing that his offending was an inexplicable deviation from his otherwise respectable character. The court was informed that Rodgers used the alias Danny Thomas to communicate with his teenage victims via Snapchat, a popular messaging platform.

According to the evidence presented, Rodgers arranged to meet two of the girls at the same residence on the same day. He ordered an Uber to deliver food to the address, and during the visit, he engaged in sexual activity with the girls. In exchange, he handed over £90 and vapes, further demonstrating his manipulative approach. The initial discovery of his crimes occurred when the father of one of the victims questioned her about cash she had received, prompting the police to investigate. Rodgers was identified by the victims during an identification parade, leading to his arrest and police questioning. He denied the allegations but was subsequently released on bail, with strict conditions not to contact any females under 18.

However, Rodgers did not cease his offending. He resumed communication with another girl via Snapchat, persuading her to send explicit photographs. He then convinced her to leave her home in the middle of the night and enter his vehicle. The pair drove to Three Cliffs Bay on Gower, where they engaged in sexual activity. The girl’s parents soon realized she was missing and reported her disappearance to the police. Rodgers returned her home just before 5 a.m., but police officers, who were searching for the girl, spotted his car in the vicinity. When approached, Rodgers sped away, but authorities managed to note the vehicle’s details.

Victim impact statements read aloud in court detailed the profound and lasting effects of Rodgers’ actions. The girls described experiencing flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety, feelings of insecurity, missed schooling, and even self-harm. One victim expressed that Rodgers’ actions had caused her to hate her own body, illustrating the deep psychological scars inflicted.

Benjamin Richard Rodgers, aged 31 and residing on Farm Road in Nantyglo, Brynmawr, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child. It was also revealed that he had prior convictions related to theft. His legal representative, James Hartson, highlighted Rodgers’ otherwise positive qualities, noting his education and missionary work abroad. The barrister emphasized that the offending was not characteristic of Rodgers’ usual behavior, describing it as an aberration and an inexplicable deviation.

The presiding judge, Geraint Walters, addressed Rodgers directly, stating that the harm caused to his victims would have lifelong repercussions and constitute a recurring nightmare for them. Rodgers had written a remorseful letter, expressing regret for the pain he caused and wishing he had adhered to the moral standards set by his parents. The judge acknowledged that a probation officer had identified the predatory and planned nature of Rodgers’ conduct, concluding that he should be classified as a dangerous offender under relevant legislation.

As a result of his guilty pleas, Rodgers was sentenced to a 16-year extended sentence, consisting of 12 years in prison followed by a four-year extended license period. He is required to serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term before being eligible to apply for parole, though the final decision rests with the Parole Board regarding his release. Additionally, Rodgers will be registered as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order to restrict his access to minors and prevent further harm.